Description
Elegant crostini showcases brie and balsamic cranberries as a sophisticated appetizer that balances rich cheese with tangy fruit. Guests will savor this simple yet impressive small plate perfect for holiday gatherings or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) brie cheese, sliced
- 1 cup (150 g) fresh cranberries
- 1 baguette, sliced into 0.5 inches (1.27 cm)
- 2 tbsps balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsps honey
- olive oil (for brushing)
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning racks to ensure even heat distribution for crisp crostini and roasted cranberries.
- Bread Transformation: Slice baguette into uniform pieces, arranging on a baking sheet and brushing generously with olive oil to achieve a golden, crunchy texture; bake for 8-10 minutes until edges turn crisp and bronzed.
- Cranberry Infusion: Combine whole cranberries with balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, then spread onto a separate baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes until fruits soften and burst, intensifying their sweet-tart essence.
- Cheese Melting: Once crostini cool slightly, layer each piece with a delicate slice of brie cheese, returning to the oven for 2-3 minutes to create a luxuriously molten topping.
- Elegant Finish: Crown the warm, cheese-laden crostini with the roasted balsamic cranberries and garnish with a delicate sprig of fresh thyme, elevating the appetizer with an aromatic flourish.
Notes
- Bread Slice Perfection: Cut baguette slices uniformly, about 1/4 inch thick, to ensure even toasting and consistent crunch.
- Oil Brushing Technique: Use high-quality olive oil and brush generously but lightly to prevent soggy bread and achieve golden-brown edges.
- Cranberry Roasting Tip: Watch carefully during roasting to prevent burning; berries should burst and caramelize without turning bitter.
- Cheese Melting Secrets: Use room temperature brie for smooth melting and remove from oven when just softened to maintain creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg